Independence Day

"The 13 Colonies of long ago, the 13 colonies of long ago..they wanted to be free oh ohhh..they wanted to be free. The Declaration of Independence it gave us liberty..The Declaration of Independence it madeee...usss...freeee...." That's the song the kids sang for the 4th of July this year. We're trying to teach them what this day is all about, and I found this song and thought it would be neat to pass along.
We celebrated the 4th at Anna and Peter's house, having a BBQ, lighting our own little fireworks, and then walking the "short" distance to the waterfront to watch the big fireworks show. Jessica and Emily lighting sparklers...by far one of the favorites of the night.

One tradition I wanted to do was to make homemade ice cream every 4th of July. This is our second year of doing that, and the ice cream was goooood. Don't let Josh fool you. We hand churned it for about 5 minutes, and then switched to the motor for the rest.

I made 4th of July donuts from my friend Colleen's recipe, and those were dynamite!

Aria in her red and white outfit for the 4th. She loved all the noises and fireworks. Thank goodness. That always makes things easier.

Liam was HILARIOUS with those pop it things you throw.

All in all we had a great time celebrating together as a family. I wish it was a weeklong party. Maybe next year..